Mariners trade for Indians’ Laffey

The Mariners acquired left-hander Aaron Laffey from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for minor league infielder Matt Lawson and cash considerations, the team announced Wednesday.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mariners put right-handed reliever Shawn Kelley on the 60-day disabled list.

Laffey, 25, made 29 appearances for the Indians in 2010, including five starts. He went 2-3 with a 4.53 ERA and had 28 walks and 28 strikeouts in 55.2 innings. He also spent time with Triple-A Columbus, Double-A Akron and Class A Lake County to rahab from shoulder problems.

“With Aaron, we felt we had the opportunity to acquire a left-handed pitcher with major league experience,” general manager Jack Zduriencik said. “We will bring him to spring training and give him a chance to compete for a position on our pitching staff.”

Laffey’s best season was 2009, when he was 7-9 with a 4.44 ERA in 25 games (19 starts).

Lawson, 25, was acquired from the Texas Rangers as part of the Cliff Lee trade. He spent all of last season at the Double-A level.